I write about creativity and design.

Pom Poms

November 30, 2017

We keep two jars in our kids' room. They're mason jars, half full of colorful wool felt balls. Whenever someone hits, yells, or does something typically naughty, we take out a pom pom. Whenever someone does something extra kind or helpful or asks for extra jobs (and we remember to), we add a pom pom. This has created an ebb and flow of pom poms in the jars. Honestly, we thought the jars would fill up a month ago. But alas, sneaky punches and tearful, exasperating breakdowns hold us back. Keenan even created a Pinterest board called Pom Pom Toy Shop, where the boys can pick one thing once they've filled their jar. A seaworthy Octonaut ship, blocks with gears, a Millenial Falcon. But still, no pom poms redeemed or jars emptied.

The jars are half full. Every day they go a little up or a little down, but we're pushing hard pre-Christmas break to get those freaking pom pom jars filled to the brim. The boys need to see a positive result faster and we need to see that they can pause fighting long enough to redeem their tiny wool balls.